A POLITICIAN is collecting signatures against controversial post office closures.

The Government wants to shut 2,500 branches to stem losses of £500,000 a day.

But Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Dewsbury Kevin Hollinrake has started a petition against the plan.

He has taken to the streets of the constituency to gather signatures.

Mr Hollinrake said: “Virtually everyone supports our action.

“All the Government’s arguments on these closures are based on financial grounds, but we believe that the postal service is just that – a service – and one that is vital for many people in our local communities, most of all the elderly.”